Chapter Fifty six

A knock on my bedroom door startled me from the comfortable haze I'd settled into. Glancing towards the window, I saw the last rays of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was later than I expected.

"Annie?" Alexander's voice called out from the other side.

I rose from the bed, the soft silk of my nightgown whispering against my skin. Taking a deep breath, I smoothed it down before opening the door a crack.

"Hello, Alexander," I greeted him, my voice tinged with a touch of surprise.

He stood there, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, his hair a bit mussed but his face etched with concern. "You're acting a bit distant," he observed, taking a step closer. "Is everything alright with you?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Alexander," I assured him, offering a small smile. "It's just... with the recent turn of events, I think it's best to maintain a low profile within the palace for now."